Essex County has long been known for its houses, and rich history as an urban escape that’s commutable but quieter than Hudson County and Manhattan. Just down the road from populated Montclair, Bloomfield is getting a reboot. Local businesses are popping up, creating a hub around Washington Street, moments from the NJ Transit train station, and several apartment projects are complete, offering modern amenities to commuters, young families, or anyone looking to put down roots.
Professionals desiring city access without the rental premium increasingly found in Montclair, Hudson County and Manhattan, will find much to love in The Green at Bloomfield, a pet-friendly BNE Real Estate property located at 56 Broad Street, which opened in September. The five-floor, 140-unit property, which is 40% leased, rents luxury studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units complete with subway tile, washer and dryer, and closets with plenty of space. Units feature soft bedroom carpeting and vinyl flooring in the living area and kitchen, double-door refrigerators and quartz counters. One-bedrooms start at $1,815 and two-bedrooms at $2,375. Studios are currently leased. Onsite parking is available and retail space is planned for the ground floor.
In The Green’s CB2-inspired lobby, the boutique feel is evident: no big front desk, rather a mellow, open ground floor with modern mailboxes and a package delivery system, with quick access to the street. Residents will still get their NYC view, if just a little smaller, from the sweet rooftop furnished with lounge couches and tables. Amenities include a gym and resident lounge with modern-designed open layout office space or the work-from-home.
“Bloomfield is in the midst of a true renaissance. Every day, new faces are flocking to the area to experience its thriving bars and restaurants, shopping venues, arts scene and public parks,” said BNE Real Estate Executive Partner Jonathan Schwartz. “It’s a perfect venue for our unique brand of mixed-use luxury housing.”
Local Bloomfield businesses like Powerflow Yoga, the hot yoga outpost, pride itself on a growing community base, and the studio’s encouragement of client involvement is part of its high traffic. “You can’t come here for long without making friends,” said instructor Kristen Kemp. The studio delivers a hard-core hot practice for realists who like challenge and fun. Take “Bob Marley nights,” with themed music or the 20 in 30 (20 classes in 30 days) challenge.
“The purpose of this hot power yoga is to peel away the layers. It makes you go to your edge, where you feel powerful,” said Kemp. Classes are thorough and include a signature Eucalyptus cooling towel upon completion. With two studios, Powerflow offers a range of classes during the week, mostly hot, with some restorative and Yin options.
Development in the stretch of downtown Bloomfield near the train station boomed last year and will continue to do so. On the restaurant side of things, popular Satis Bistro of Jersey City has a location coming soon.
“It was rough last year because the street was closed due to construction but we knew it was giving way to something good—and it did—new business and new community,” said Kemp.
On Washington Street, across from the Bloomfield train station, is Essex Junction, the sunny, high-ceiling gastropub with American and Latin influence, which opened a year ago. Owner Paola Goldberg and husband Jeremy, chefs who met at CIA in New Hyde Park, serve a streamlined, flavor-packed menu. Favorites from locals include brussels sprouts, crispy salmon, skirt steak and fries, $10-$14 lunch specials and a beer list (available for $4 during lunch). Anthony’s Cheesecake, a Bloomfield favorite, is on the dessert menu, as well as Ahrre’s Coffee, a local roaster.
Essex Junction has a breakfast window convenient for folks en route to the train to grab a coffee and pastry, and a post-commute drink is at the ready at the bar in the evening.
“When we found the space there was not much over here,” Mrs. Goldberg noted. “The little businesses here are all very excited.” Like in Jersey City over the past five years, it often takes just a few pioneers with good vibes to make a neighborhood a draw.
The Green at Bloomfield is currently leasing brand new studio, one-, and two- bedroom apartments. Visit their website for more details: RentAtTheGreen.com
